Carton with Pour Spout

ABSTRACT

Cartons with pour spouts for dispensing materials such as granular or pelletal materials are disclosed. A carton according to the disclosure is easily converted from a closed configuration for storing materials to an open configuration in which a spout is formed for pouring materials from the carton. The carton can also be easily and securely reclosed after being used in the open configuration. When the carton is in a closed configuration, a top panel can be formed from overlapping side top flaps. A front top end flap or panel can be folded under the side top flaps. The front top end flap or panel and portions of the side top flaps can be unfolded to form a spout and thereby place the carton in an open configuration. The spout and the side top flaps can be folded into closed positions after opening the carton in order to place the carton in a reclosed configuration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/193,067, filed on Oct. 27, 2008, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure generally relates to cartons for storing and dispensingmaterials, and methods blanks for forming such cartons. It is desirableto provide a carton that can easily be converted from a closedconfiguration for storing materials to an open configuration for pouringthe materials out of the carton. It also desirable to provide a cartonthat can be easily and securely reclosed after being opened. Additionalobjects and desires will become apparent from the following disclosure,drawings and claims.

SUMMARY

The disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing anddispensing material such as, for example, granular or pelletal material,and methods of erecting such cartons from a carton blank. The materialcan be stored inside the carton within a bag, or the material can bestored without a bag.

According to an embodiment, a carton can comprise a front panel, a rearpanel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first sidepanel, a bottom panel, a top panel comprising a first side top flap anda second side top flap, and a front top end panel foldably connected tothe front panel, the first side top flap and the second side top flap.The carton can be constructed such that, when the carton is in a closedconfiguration, the front top end panel extends inwardly from the frontpanel towards an interior of the carton, the second side top flappartially overlaps the first side top flap, and the first side top sideflap and the second side top side flap lie over the front top end panel.The carton can be placed in an open configuration in which a spout isformed in a top of the carton and defines an opening for pouringcontents from the carton. The front top end panel can be foldedoutwardly away from the interior of the carton to form a front lip ofthe spout, and portions of the first and second top side flaps form sidewalls of the spout.

According to another embodiment, a carton can comprise a front panel, arear panel, a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the firstside panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, and a front top end flap orpanel foldably connected to the front panel. The top panel can comprisea first side top flap and a second side top flap. The first side topflap can include a first flap section, a second flap section and a firstbreak line between the first flap section and the second flap section.The second side top flap can include a third flap section, a fourth flapsection and a second break line between the third flap section and thefourth flap section. When the carton is in a closed configuration, thefront top end panel extends inwardly from the front panel towards aninterior of the carton beneath the first side top flap and the secondside top flap, and the second side top flap partially overlaps the firstside top flap, or the first side top flap partially overlaps the secondside top flap. The carton can be placed in an open configuration inwhich a spout is formed in a top of the carton and defines an openingfor pouring contents from the carton. When the carton is in the openconfiguration, the front top end flap or panel is folded outwardly awayfrom the interior of the carton and forms a front lip of the spout.Additionally, when the carton is in the open configuration, the firstflap section and the second flap section are detached from each otheralong the first break line, the third flap section and the fourth flapsection are detached from each other along the second break line, andthe first flap section and the third flap section extend transversely tothe second flap section and the fourth flap section, thereby formingside walls of the spout.

According to other embodiments, blanks for forming the cartons aredisclosed.

Additional features and advantages will be appreciated from thefollowing detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carton blank with an outer or print side ofthe blank facing upward.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a carton erected from the blankof FIG. 1, wherein the carton is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the carton of FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the carton of FIGS. 2 and 3 in an open configurationfor pouring contents out of the carton.

FIG. 7 shows the carton of FIGS. 2 and 3 in a reclosed configuration.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodimentwith an outer or print side of the blank facing upward.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of FIG.8, wherein the carton is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 10 shows the carton of FIG. 9 in an open configuration for pouringcontents out of the carton.

FIG. 11 shows the carton of FIG. 9 in a reclosed configuration.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodimentwith an outer or print side of the blank facing upward.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of FIG.12, wherein the carton is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the carton of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the carton of FIG. 12 in an open configuration forpouring contents out of the carton.

FIG. 17 shows the carton of FIG. 12 in a reclosed configuration.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a carton blank according to yet anotherembodiment with an outer or print side of the blank facing upward.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of FIG.18, wherein the carton is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the carton of FIG. 19.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show the carton of FIG. 19 in an open configuration forpouring contents out of the carton.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a carton of FIG. 19 in a reclosedconfiguration.

FIG. 24 is a plan view of a carton blank according to yet anotherembodiment with an outer or print side of the blank facing upward.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a carton erected from the blank of FIG.24, wherein the carton is in a closed configuration.

FIG. 26 is a bottom view of the carton of FIG. 25.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show the carton of FIG. 25 in an open configuration forpouring contents out of the carton.

FIG. 29 shows the carton of FIG. 25 in a reclosed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing anddispensing material such as, for example, granular or pelletal material,and methods of erecting such cartons from a carton blank. For purposesof illustration and not limitation, the detailed description belowdescribes several embodiments of the invention within the context of acarton with a pour spout for dispensing material from the carton.Further, references herein to “end,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “bottom,”and “top” refer to orientations or positions of elements when the cartonis erected and disposed in an upright orientation. The terms “upper,”“lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” and “oblique,” and anyvariations thereof, generally refer to the location and/or orientationof an element or line with respect to a drawing figure in which itappears. Reference characters shared among the various embodimentsdisclosed herein indicate similar parts.

Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, wherein likereference characters indicate like parts throughout the several views,FIG. 1 illustrates a carton blank 1 from which a carton 200 (FIG. 2) maybe erected. The blank 1 is shown with its outside or print side up. Theblank 1 includes a front panel 10, a first side panel 20, a second sidepanel 30, a rear closure flap 40, and a rear flap 50. Horizontal foldlines 16, 18 form top and bottom edges, respectively, of the panels 10,20, 30 and the flaps 40, 50. The first and second side panels 20, 30 arefoldably connected to opposite sides of the front panel 10 alongvertical fold lines 12, 14, respectively. The rear closure flap 40 isfoldably connected to the first side panel 20 along a vertical fold line22. The rear flap 50 is foldably connected to the second side panel 30along a vertical fold line 32. Each of the panels 10, 20, 30 and flaps40, 50 are substantially rectangular in shape. However, other shapes arepossible.

A first side top flap 80 and a first bottom flap 90 are foldablyconnected to the first side panel 20 along the fold lines 16, 18,respectively. A front top end panel 60 and a front bottom end flap 70are foldably connected to the front panel 10 along the fold lines 16,18, respectively. A second side top flap 100 and a second bottom flap110 are foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along the foldlines 16, 18, respectively. The front top end panel 60 is also foldablyconnected to the first and second side top flaps 80, 100 along the foldlines 12, 14, respectively. A rear top end flap 120 and a rear bottomend flap 130 are foldably connected to the rear flap 50 along the foldlines 16, 18, respectively. The flaps 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 130 and thefront top end panel 60 are generally rectangular in shape, however othershapes are possible.

The first side top flap 80 includes a first break line 86 extendingsubstantially vertically between the laterally extending outer edge ofthe first side top flap 80 and the fold line 16. The first break line(e.g., cut and/or tear line) 86 includes a cut segment 86 a extendingfrom the laterally extending outer edge of the first side top flap 80and a perforated segment 86 b extending from the cut segment 86 a to thefold line 16. The break line 86 divides the first side top flap 80 intoa first side top flap section 82 and a second side top flap section 84.The second side top flap 100 includes a second break line 106 extendingsubstantially vertically between the laterally extending outer edge ofthe second side top flap 100 and the fold line 16. The second break line106 includes a cut segment 106 a extending from the laterally extendingouter edge of the second side top flap 100 and a perforated segment 106b extending from the cut segment 106 a to the fold line 16. The breakline 106 divides the second side top flap 100 into a third side top flapsection 102 and a fourth side top flap section 104. The first side topflap 80 optionally includes adhesive regions 88 in the first side topflap section 82 for releasably adhesively attaching the first and secondside top flaps 80, 100 together at the first and third side top flapsections 82, 102 in overlapping fashion. The adhesive regions 88 may bedefined by score patterns or partial cut patterns 89 extending partiallythrough the thickness of the blank 1 (into the page). The releasableadhesive attachment between the first and third side top flap sections82, 102 may be provided in any suitable manner.

Opposite edges of the front top end panel 60 are foldably connected tothe first and second side top flaps 80, 100 by the fold lines 12, 14,respectively. The front top end panel 60 includes a substantiallytriangular center section 62, a substantially triangular first sidesection 64 foldably connected to the center section 62 along a firstoblique fold line 63, and a substantially triangular second side section66 foldably connected to the center section 62 along a second obliquefold line 65. The oblique fold lines 63, 65 extend between the fold line16 and the laterally extending outer edge of the front top end panel 60,and converge towards each other as they extend from the fold line 16.

A closure feature, or female locking member/receptacle 140 is optionallyprovided in the front panel 10. The closure feature 140 includes anarcuate tear line 142, a vertical cut line or tear line 144 extendingdownwardly from the arcuate tear line 142, and a v-shaped fold line 146positioned below the cut line 144.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the blank 1 can be erected into a carton 200. InFIGS. 2 and 3, the carton 200 is in a closed configuration. Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the side panels 20, 30 are folded inwardly along the foldlines 12, 14, respectively, such that the first and second side panels20, 30 extend substantially parallel to each other and perpendicularlyto the front panel 10. The rear closure flap 40 is folded inwardly alongthe fold line 22 so as to extend substantially parallel to the frontpanel 10. The rear flap 50 is folded inwardly along the fold line 32 soas to overlap the rear closure flap 40 and extend substantially parallelto the front panel 10. The rear flap 50 and the rear closure flap 40together from a rear panel 170 (FIG. 3) of the carton 200, extendingsubstantially parallel to the front panel 10. The rear closure flap 40may be adhesively or otherwise attached to the inner side of the rearpanel 50.

Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the center section 62 of the front topend panel 60 is folded inwardly along the fold line 16, and the firstand second side sections 64, 66 of the front top end panel 60 are foldedover the center section 62 along the respective oblique fold lines 63,65 such that the front top end panel 60 is folded towards the interiorof the carton 200. The rear top end flap 120 is folded inwardly alongthe fold line 16 towards the interior of the carton 200. The first andsecond side top flaps 80, 100 are folded along the fold line 16 suchthat the second side top flap 100 partially overlaps the first side topflap 80 and the first and second side top flaps 80, 100 lie over thefront top end panel 60 and the rear top end flap 120. The first andsecond side top flaps 80, 100 are secured together such as by way ofadhesive material at adhesive regions 88, and adhesive material betweenthe second and fourth side top flap sections 84, 104, so that the firstand second side top flaps 80, 100 form a top panel 150 extending betweenthe first and second side panels 20, 30 and the front and rear panels10, 170. The second and fourth side top flap sections 84, 104 may beattached to each other in a more permanent manner than the first andthird side top flap sections 82, 102, such as by a more secure adhesiveattachment. The top panel 150 extends substantially perpendicularly tothe front panel 10, the rear panel 170, and the first and second sidepanels 20, 30. The first and third side top flap sections 82, 102 arepositioned adjacent to each other in the top panel 150 to form apartially detachable portion of the top panel 150.

As shown in FIG. 4, the front bottom end flap 70 and the rear bottom endflap 130 are folded inwardly along the fold line 18, and the first andsecond bottom flaps 90, 110 are folded inwardly along the fold line 18over the front bottom end flap 70 and the rear bottom end flap 130 suchthat the second bottom flap 110 overlaps the first bottom flap 90. Thefirst and second bottom flaps 90, 110 form a bottom panel 160 extendingsubstantially parallel to the top panel 150. The first and second bottomflaps 90, 110 may be adhesively or otherwise secured together.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show the carton 200 in an open configuration for pouringcontents therefrom. In the open configuration, the first and third sidetop flap sections 82, 102 are separated from the second and fourth toppanel sections 84, 104, respectively, along the respective break lines86, 106 and are folded outwardly along the fold line 16 so as to extendtransversely to the second and fourth side top flap sections 84, 104,which form a remainder of the top panel 150. The center section 62 ofthe front top end panel 60 is folded outwardly along the fold lines 16,63, 65, and the first and second side sections 64, 66 of the front topend panel 60 are folded outwardly along the fold lines 63, 65, 12, 14,such that the front top end panel 60 extends transversely between thefirst and third side top flap sections 82, 102. The center section 62extends outwardly and upwardly from the front panel 10, and the firstand second side sections 64, 66 extend rearwardly and outwardly from thecenter section 62 to the first and third side top flap sections 82, 102,respectively. The first and third side top flap sections 82, 102 and thefront top end panel 60 thereby form a spout 170 having an opening 172 atthe top of the carton 200. The first and third side top flap sections82, 102 form first and second side walls of the spout 170, and the fronttop end panel 60 forms a front spout lip 174. The second and fourth sidetop flap sections 84, 104 are adhesively secured such that they are notopened with the spout 170. Contents within the carton 200 can be pouredout of the spout 170 though the opening 172. The lip 174 is configuredto direct the flow of contents as they are poured out of the spout 170.

FIG. 7 shows the carton 200 in an optional reclosed configuration. Inthe configuration of FIG. 7, the top panel 150 is reclosed after thecarton has been used in the open configuration of FIGS. 5 and 6. Thefirst and third side top flap sections 82, 102 are folded inwardly alongthe fold line 16 such that the third side top flap section 102 partiallyoverlaps the first side top flap section 82. The center section 62 ofthe spout 170 is folded downwardly about the fold line 16, and the firstand second side sections 64, 66 of the spout 170 are folded inwardly anddownwardly over the center section 62 along the respective oblique foldlines 63, 65. Thus, the lip 174 of the spout 170 extends downwardly,substantially parallel to the front panel 10. The tear line 144 in thefront panel is broken to form an arcuate opening 145, and the outer tip175 (FIGS. 5-7) of the spout 170 is secured in the opening 145, therebyclosing the spout 170 and securing the top panel 150 in a closedconfiguration. The fold lines 144, 146 allow the front panel 10 to flexin the vicinity of the fold lines 144, 146 to facilitate inserting thetip 175 into the opening 145. The spout 170 may be reopened by reversingthe closing procedure.

FIG. 8 shows a carton blank 202 according to another embodiment, fromwhich a carton 400 (FIG. 9) may be erected. The blank 202 is similar tothe blank 1 of the previous embodiment, with the exception that theblank 202 includes first and second side top flaps 300, 310 instead ofthe previously described side top flaps 80, 100, and the front panel 10a may lack (or it may include) the closure feature 140 of the previousembodiment.

The first side top flap 300 includes a first break line 306 extendingsubstantially vertically from the laterally extending outer edge of thefirst side top flap 300, and a third oblique fold line 308 extendingobliquely from the first break line 306 to an intersection point of thefold lines 12, 16. The break line 306 and the third oblique fold line308 divide the first side top flap 300 into a first side top flapsection 302 and a second side top flap section 304. The second side topflap 310 includes a second break line 316 extending substantiallyvertically from the laterally extending outer edge of the second sidetop flap 310, and a fourth oblique fold line 318 extending obliquelyfrom the second break line 316 to an intersection point of the foldlines 14, 16. The break line 316 and the fourth oblique fold line 318divide the second side top flap 300 into a third side top flap section312 and a fourth side top flap section 314. The first side top flap 300includes adhesive regions 88 in the first side top flap section 302 forreleasably adhesively attaching the first and third side top flapsections 302, 312 together.

FIG. 9 shows the carton 400 erected, in a closed configuration, from theblank 202. The carton 400 is similar to the carton 200 of the previousembodiment, with the exception of the top panel 350, and optionally thefront panel 10 a. As shown in FIG. 8, the first and second side topflaps 300, 310 are folded along the fold line 16 such that the secondside top flap 310 partially overlaps the first side top flap 300 and thefirst and second side top flaps 300, 310 lie over the front top endpanel 60 and the rear top end flap 120. The first and third side topflap sections 302, 312 of the first and second side top flaps 300, 310,respectively, may be releasably secured together by adhesive material atthe adhesive regions 88, and the second and fourth side top flapsections 304, 314 may be more permanently secured together (such as by amore permanent adhesive attachment) such that the first and second sidetop flaps 300, 310 form the top panel 350 extending between the firstand second side panels 20, 30 and the front and rear panels 10, 170. Thetop panel 350 extends substantially perpendicularly to the front panel10, the rear panel 170, and the first and second side panels 20, 30. Thefirst and third side top flap sections 302, 312 are positioned adjacentto each other in the top panel 350 to form a partially detachableportion of the top panel 350.

FIG. 10 shows the carton 400 in an open configuration for pouringcontents therefrom. In the open configuration, the first and third sidetop flap sections 302, 312 are separated from the second and fourth toppanel sections 304, 314, respectively, along the respective break lines306, 316 and are folded outwardly along the fold line 16 so as to extendtransversely to the second and fourth side top flap sections 304, 314,which form a remainder of the top panel 350. The center section 62 ofthe front top end panel 60 is folded outwardly along the fold lines 16,63, 65, and the first and second side sections 64, 66 of the front topend panel 60 are folded outwardly along the fold lines 63, 65, 12, 14,such that the front top end panel 60 extends transversely between thefirst and third side top flap sections 302, 312. The center section 62extends outwardly and upwardly from the front panel 10 a, and the firstand second side sections 64, 66 extend rearwardly and outwardly from thecenter section 62 to the first and third side top flap sections 302,312, respectively. The first and third side top flap sections 302, 312and the front top end panel 60 thereby form a spout 370 having anopening 372 at the top of the carton 400. The first and third side topflap sections 302, 312 form first and second side walls of the spout370, and the front top end panel 60 forms a front spout lip 374. Thesecond and fourth side top flap sections 304, 314 are adhesively securedsuch that they are not opened with the spout 370. Contents within thecarton 400 can be poured out of the spout 370 though the opening 372.The lip 374 is configured to direct the flow of contents as they arepoured out of the spout 370.

FIG. 11 shows the carton 400 in an example of a reclosed configuration,upon the carton being reclosed from the open configuration of FIG. 10.The first and third side top flap sections 302, 312 are folded inwardlyalong the fold line 16 such that the third side top flap section 312partially overlaps the first side top flap section 302, the centersection 62 of the spout 370 is folded rearwardly about the fold line 16,and the first and second side sections 64, 66 of the spout 370 arefolded inwardly and forwardly over the center section 62 along therespective oblique fold lines 63, 65. Thus, the lip 374 of the spout 370extends rearwardly, substantially parallel to the top panel 350, andlies below the first and third side top flap sections 302, 312. The toppanel 350 and the spout 370 are thereby secured in a closedconfiguration. Other reclosed configurations, generally such as the onediscussed for the prior embodiment, may be used.

FIG. 12 shows a carton blank 502 according to yet another embodiment,from which a carton 600 (FIG. 13) may be erected. The blank 502 includesthe front panel 10 a from the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11, and the firstside panel 20, the second side panel 30, the rear closure flap 40, therear flap 50, and the first bottom flap 90 of the two previousembodiments.

A first side top flap 540 and the first bottom flap 90 are foldablyconnected to the first side panel 20 along the fold lines 16, 18,respectively. A front top end flap 560 and a front bottom end flap 570are foldably connected to the front panel 10 a along the fold lines 16,18, respectively. A second side top flap 550 and a second bottom flap510 are foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along the foldlines 16, 18, respectively. A rear top end flap 520 and a rear bottomend flap 530 are foldably connected to the rear flap 50 along the foldlines 16, 18, respectively.

The first side top flap 540 includes a first break line 546 extendingsubstantially vertically from the laterally extending outer edge of thefirst side top flap 540, and a third arcuate fold line 547 extendingfrom the first break line 546. The first break line 546 and the thirdarcuate fold line 547 divide the first side top flap 540 into a firstside top flap section 542 and a second side top flap section 544. Thesecond side top flap 550 includes a second break line 556 extendingsubstantially vertically from the laterally extending outer edge of thesecond side top flap 550, and a fourth arcuate fold line 557 extendingfrom the second break line 556. The second break line 556 and the fourtharcuate fold line 557 divide the second side top flap 550 into a thirdside top flap section 552 and a fourth side top flap section 554. Thesecond side top flap 550 includes adhesive regions 88 in the third sidetop flap section 552 for releasably adhesively attaching the first andthird side top flap sections 542, 552 of the first and second side topflaps 540, 550, respectively, together in overlapping fashion.

Still referring to FIG. 12, the rear top end flap 520 includes anadhesive region 522 for securing the first side top flap 540 to the reartop end flap 520. Because the second side top flap 550 is configured lieover the rear top end flap 520 and the first side top flap 540 isconfigured to overlap the second side top flap 550 in the erected carton600, the second side top flap 550 includes a corner cutout section 553configured to allow the adhesive region 552 to contact the first sidetop flap 540 in the carton 600. The front bottom end flap 570 and therear bottom end flap 530 include respective adhesive regions 572, 532for securing the front bottom end flap 570 and the rear bottom end flap530 to the first bottom flap 90. Because the second bottom flap 510 isconfigured lie over the front bottom end flap 570 and the rear bottomend flap 530, and the first bottom flap 90 is configured to overlap thesecond bottom flap 510 in the erected carton 600, the second bottom flap510 includes corner cutout sections 512 configured to allow the adhesiveregions 572, 532 to contact the first bottom flap 90 in the carton 600.

The front top end flap 560 includes a center section 562, a first sidesection 564 foldably connected to the center section 562 along a firstarcuate fold line 563, and a second side section 566 foldably connectedto the center section 562 along a second arcuate fold line 565. Thearcuate fold lines 563, 565 extend between the fold line 16 and thelaterally extending outer edge of the front top end flap 560, andconverge towards each other as they extend from the fold line 16.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the blank 502 can be erected into a carton600. In FIGS. 13 and 14, the carton 600 is in a closed configuration.Referring to FIG. 13, the carton 600 includes the front panel 10 a, sidepanels 20, 30 and a rear panel 170 (not shown in this embodiment) of theprevious embodiment of FIGS. 8-11. The front top end flap 560 is foldedinwardly along the fold line 16, and the first and second side sections564, 566 of the front top end flap 560 are folded inwardly along therespective oblique fold lines 563, 565 such that the front top end flap560 is folded towards the interior of the carton 600 and the first andsecond side sections 564, 566 extend transversely to the center section562. The rear top end flap 520 is folded inwardly along the fold line 16towards the interior of the carton 200. The first and second side topflaps 540, 550 are folded along the fold line 16 such that the firstside top flap 540 partially overlaps the second side top flap 550 andthe first and second side top flaps 540, 550 lie over the front top endpanel 560 and the rear top end flap 520. The first and third side topflap sections 542, 552 of the first and second side top flaps 540, 550,respectively, may be releasably secured together by adhesive material atthe adhesive regions 88, and the second and fourth side top flapsections 544, 554 may be more securely attached together, such as by amore permanent adhesive. The first side top flap 540 may be secured tothe rear top end flap 520 via attachment to the adhesive region 522. Thefirst and second side top flaps 540, 550 thereby form a top panel 555extending between the first and second side panels 20, 30 and the frontand rear panels 10 a, 170. The top panel 555 extends substantiallyperpendicularly to the front panel 10 a, the rear panel 170, and thefirst and second side panels 20, 30.

Referring to FIG. 14, the front bottom end flap 570 and the rear bottomend flap 530 are folded inwardly along the fold line 18, and the firstand second bottom flaps 90, 510 are folded inwardly along the fold line18 over the front bottom end flap 570 and the rear bottom end flap 530such that the first bottom flap 90 overlaps the second bottom flap 510.The first bottom flap 90 is secured to the front bottom end flap 570 andthe rear bottom end flap 530 at adhesive regions 572, 532. The first andsecond bottom flaps 90, 510 form a bottom panel 515 extendingsubstantially parallel to the top panel 555.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the carton 600 in an open configuration for pouringcontents therefrom. In the open configuration, the first and third sidetop flap sections 542, 552 are partially separated from the second andfourth top panel sections 544, 554, respectively, along the respectivebreak lines 546, 556 and are folded outwardly along the third and fourtharcuate fold lines 547, 557, respectively, so as to extend transverselyto the second and fourth side top flap sections 544, 554, which form aremainder of the top panel 555. The front top end flap 560 is foldedoutwardly along the fold line 16 such that the front top end panel 560extends upwardly between the first and third side top flap sections 542,552. The center section 562 extends upwardly substantially parallel tofront panel 10 a, and the first and second side sections 564, 566 extendrearwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the center section 562.The first and third side top flap sections 542, 552 and the front topend panel 560 thereby form a spout 590 having an opening 592 at the topof the carton 600. The first and third side top flap sections 542, 552form first and second side walls of the spout 590, and the front top endpanel 560 forms a front spout lip 594. The second and fourth side topflap sections 544, 554 are secured such that they do not open with thespout 590. Contents within the carton 600 can be poured out of the spout590 though the opening 592. The lip 594 is configured to direct the flowof contents as they are poured out of the spout 590.

FIG. 17 shows the carton 600 in a reclosed configuration. In theconfiguration of FIG. 17, the top panel 555 is reclosed after the cartonhas been used in the open configuration of FIGS. 15 and 16. The firstand third side top flap sections 542, 552 are folded inwardly along thefold line 16 such that the first side top flap section 542 partiallyoverlaps the third side top flap section 552, and the lip 594 of thespout 590 is folded inwardly about the fold line 16, beneath the firstand second side top flap sections 542, 552. Thus, the spout 590 and thetop panel 550 are returned to a closed configuration.

FIG. 18 shows a carton blank 702 according to another embodiment, fromwhich a carton 800 (FIG. 19) may be erected. The blank 702 includes arear panel 710, a first side panel 20, a second side panel 30, a frontclosure flap 704, and a front flap 780. Horizontal fold lines 16, 18form top and bottom edges, respectively, of the panels 710, 20, 30 andthe flaps 704, 780. The first and second side panels 20, 30 are foldablyconnected to opposite sides of the rear panel 710 along vertical foldlines 712, 714, respectively. The front closure flap 704 is foldablyconnected to the first side panel 20 along a vertical fold line 22. Thefront flap 780 is foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along avertical fold line 32.

A first side top flap 740 and a first bottom flap 790 are foldablyconnected to the first side panel 20 along the fold lines 16, 18,respectively. A rear top end flap 760 and a rear bottom end flap 770 arefoldably connected to the rear panel 710 along the fold lines 16, 18,respectively. A second side top flap 750 and a second bottom flap 110are foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along the fold lines16, 18, respectively. A front top end flap 720 and a front bottom endflap 730 are foldably connected to the front flap 780 along the foldlines 16, 18, respectively.

The rear panel 710 includes arcuate fold lines 713, 717 extendingadjacent to the fold lines 712, 714, respectively, and definingrespective gripping regions 715, 719 at the lateral edges of the rearpanel 710.

The front top end flap 720 includes a center section 722, a first sidesection 724 foldably connected to the center section 722 along a firstarcuate fold line 723, and a second side section 726 foldably connectedto the center section 722 along a second arcuate fold line 725. Thearcuate fold lines 723, 725 extend between the fold line 16 and thelaterally extending outer edge of the front top end flap 720, andconverge towards each other as they extend from the fold line 16.

Still referring to FIG. 18, the first side top flap 740 includes a firstbreak line 746 (e.g., a cut line and/or score line) extendingsubstantially vertically from the laterally extending outer edge of thefirst top flap 740, and a third arcuate fold line 747 extending from thefirst break line 746. The first break line 746 and the third arcuatefold line 747 divide the first top flap 740 into a first top flapsection 742 and a second top flap section 744. The second top flap 750includes a second break line 756 (e.g., a cut line and/or score line)extending substantially vertically from the laterally extending outeredge of the second top flap 750, and a fourth arcuate fold line 757extending from the second break line 756. The second break line 756 andthe fourth arcuate fold line 757 divide the second side top flap 750into a third side top flap section 752 and a fourth side top flapsection 754. The first side top flap 740 includes adhesive regions 88 inthe first side top flap section 742 for releasably adhesively attachingthe first and third side top flap sections, 742, 752 of the first andsecond side top flaps 740, 750, respectively, together in overlappingfashion. The first and third side top flap sections 742, 752 includerespective V-notches 745, 755 in their laterally extending outer edges.The V-notches 745, 755 are configured to interlockingly engage eachother, as will be described later.

The rear top end flap 760 includes an adhesive region 762 for securingthe second side top flap 750 to the rear top end flap 760. Because thesecond side top flap 750 is configured overlap the first side top flap740 and the first side top flap 740 is configured to lie over the reartop end flap 760 in the erected carton 800, and the first side top flap740 includes a corner cutout section 746 configured to allow theadhesive region 762 to contact the second side top flap 750 in thecarton 800. The rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottom end flap730 include respective adhesive regions 772, 732 for securing the rearbottom end flap 770 and the front bottom end flap 730 to the secondbottom flap 110. Because the first bottom flap 790 is configured lieover the front bottom end flap 730 and the rear bottom end flap 770, andthe second bottom flap 110 is configured to overlap the first bottomflap 790 in the erected carton 800, the first bottom flap 790 includescorner cutout sections 795 configured to allow the adhesive regions 732,772 to contact the second bottom flap 110 in the carton 800.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the blank 702 can be erected into thecarton 800. In FIGS. 19 and 20, the carton 800 is in a closedconfiguration. Referring to FIG. 19, the side panels 20, 30 are foldedinwardly along the fold lines 712, 714, respectively, such that thefirst and second side panels 20, 30 extend substantially parallel toeach other and perpendicularly to the rear panel 710. The front closureflap 704 is folded inwardly along the fold line 22 so as to extendsubstantially parallel to the rear panel 710. The front flap 780 isfolded inwardly along the fold line 32 so as to overlap the frontclosure flap 704 and extend substantially parallel to the rear panel710. The front flap 780 and the rear closure flap 704 together from afront panel 785 of the carton 800, extending substantially parallel tothe rear panel 710. The front closure flap 704 may be adhesively orotherwise attached to the inner side of the front panel 780. The rearpanel 710 is creased along the fold lines 713, 717 such that thegripping regions 715, 719 extend transversely to the remainder of therear panel 710, thereby facilitating gripping of the rear panel 710 by aperson's hand.

Still referring to FIG. 19, the front top end flap 720 is foldedinwardly along the fold line 16 towards the interior of the carton, andthe first and second side sections 724, 726 of the front top end flap720 are folded inwardly along the respective oblique fold lines 723, 725such that that the front top end flap 720 is folded towards the interiorof the carton 800 and the first and second side sections 724, 726 extendtransversely to the center section 722. The rear top end flap 760 isfolded inwardly along the fold line 16 towards the interior of thecarton 800. The first and second top flaps 740, 750 are folded along thefold line 16 such that the second side top flap 750 partially overlapsthe first side top flap 740 and the first and second side top flaps 740,750 lie over the front top end flap 720 and the rear top end flap 760.The first and third side top flap sections 742, 752 of the first andsecond side top flaps 740, 750, respectively, may be releasably securedtogether by adhesive material at the adhesive regions 88, and the secondand fourth side top flap sections 744, 754 may be more permanentlysecured together, such as by a more permanent adhesive material. Thesecond side top flap 750 may be secured to the rear top end flap 760 atthe adhesive region 762. Thus, the first and second side top flaps 740,750 form a top panel 758 extending between the first and second sidepanels 20, 30 and the front and rear panels 785, 710. The top panel 758extends substantially perpendicularly to the front panel 785, the rearpanel 710, and the first and second side panels 20, 30. The first andthird side top flap sections 742, 752 are positioned adjacent to eachother in the top panel 758 to form a partially detachable portion of thetop panel 758.

Referring to FIG. 20, the rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottomend flap 730 are folded inwardly along the fold line 18, and the firstand second bottom flaps 790, 110 are folded inwardly along the fold line18 over the rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottom end flap 730such that the second bottom flap 110 overlaps the first bottom flap 790.The second bottom flap 110 is secured to the rear bottom end flap 770and the front bottom end flap 730 at adhesive regions 772, 732. Thefirst and second bottom flaps 790, 110 form a bottom panel 796 extendingsubstantially parallel to the top panel 758.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show the carton 800 in an open configuration for pouringcontents out of the carton. In the open configuration, the first andthird side top flap sections 742, 752 are partially separated from thesecond and fourth side top flap sections 744, 754, respectively, alongthe respective break lines 746, 756 and are folded outwardly along thethird and fourth arcuate fold lines 747, 757, respectively, so as toextend transversely to the second and fourth side top flap sections 744,754, which form a remainder of the top panel 758. The front top end flap720 is folded outwardly along the fold line 16 such that the front topend panel 720 extends upwardly between the first and third side top flapsections 742, 752. The center section 722 extends upwardly substantiallyparallel to front panel 780, and the first and second side sections 724,726 extend rearwardly and substantially perpendicularly to the centersection 722. The first and third side top flap sections 742, 752 and thefront top end panel 720 thereby form a spout 797 having an opening 798at the top of the carton 800. The first and third side top flap sections742, 752 form first and second side walls of the spout 797, and thefront top end panel 720 forms a front spout lip 799. The second andfourth side top flap sections 744, 754 are secured such that they do notopen with the spout 797. Contents within the carton 800 can be pouredout of the spout 797 though the opening 798. The lip 799 is configuredto direct the flow of contents as they are poured out of the spout 797.

FIG. 23 shows the carton 800 in a reclosed configuration, wherein thecarton is reclosed after being used in the open configuration shown inFIGS. 21 and 22. In the reclosed configuration, the first and third sidetop flap sections 742, 752 are folded inwardly along the fold line 16such that the first side top flap section 742 partially overlaps thethird side top flap section 752, and the front spout lip 799 is foldedinwardly about the fold line 16, beneath the first and third side topflap sections 742, 752. The V-notches 745, 755 are interlocked with eachother to secure the first and third side top flap sections 742, 752together. Thus, the spout 797 and the top panel 758 are returned to aclosed configuration.

FIG. 24 illustrates a carton blank 902, according to another embodiment,that can be erected into a carton 1000 (FIG. 25). The blank 902 issimilar to the blank 702, except that the blank 902 includes first andsecond side top flaps 840, 850 in place of the previous first and secondside top flaps 740, 750, a front top end flap 820 in place of theprevious front top end flap 720, and a second bottom flap 810 in placeof the previous second bottom flap 110. The second bottom flap 810 issimilar to the previous bottom flap 710, but includes a notch 812 in itslaterally extending outer edge to facilitate gripping of the secondbottom flap 810.

The front top end flap 820 includes a center section 822, a first sidesection 824 foldably connected to the center section 822 along a firstarcuate fold line 823, a second side section 826 foldably connected tothe center section 822 along a second arcuate fold line 825, and abottom section 828 positioned below the center section 822 and the firstand second sections 824, 826, and connected thereto along a concave foldline 827. The arcuate fold lines 823, 825 extend from the concave foldline 827 towards the laterally extending outer edge of the front top endflap 820, and converge towards each other as they extend from theconcave fold line 827.

Still referring to FIG. 24, the first side top flap 840 includes a firstbreak line 846 (e.g., a cut line and/or score line) extendingsubstantially vertically from the laterally extending outer edge of thefirst side top flap 840, and a third arcuate fold line 847 extendingfrom the first break line 846. The first break line 846 and the thirdarcuate fold line 847 divide the first side top flap 840 into a firsttop flap section 842 and a second top flap section 844. The second topflap 850 includes a second break line 856 (e.g., a cut line and/or scoreline) extending substantially vertically from the laterally extendingouter edge of the second top flap 850, and a fourth arcuate fold line857 extending from the second break line 856. The second break line 856and the fourth arcuate fold line 857 divide the second top flap 850 intoa third top flap section 82 and a fourth top flap section 854. Thesecond side top flap 850 includes adhesive regions 88 in the third sidetop flap section 852 for releasably adhesively attaching the first andthird side top flap sections 842, 852 together in overlapping fashion.The first and third side top flap sections 842, 852 include respectivenotches 845, 855 in their laterally extending outer edges. The notches845, 855 are configured facilitate opening of the first and third flapsections 845, 855 as will be described later. Because the first side topflap 840 is configured to overlap the second side top flap 850 and thesecond side top flap 850 is configured to lie over the rear top end flap760 in the erected carton 1000, the second side top flap 850 includes acorner cutout section 859 that allows the first side top flap 840 to beattached to the adhesive region 762.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show the carton 1000 erected, in a closed configuration,from the blank 902. The carton 1000 is similar to the previous carton800, except that the carton 1000 includes a top panel 858 (FIG. 25) anda bottom panel 896 (FIG. 26). Referring to FIG. 25, the front top endflap 820 is folded inwardly along the fold line 16 towards the interiorof the carton 1000, and the first and second side sections 824, 826 ofthe front top end flap 820 are folded inwardly along the respectiveoblique fold lines 823, 825 such that that the front top end flap 820 isfolded towards the interior of the carton 1000 and the first and secondside sections 824, 826 extend transversely to the center section 822 andthe bottom section 828. The rear top end flap 760 is folded inwardlyalong the fold line 16 towards the interior of the carton 1000. Thefirst and second side top flaps 840, 850 are folded along the fold line16 such that the first side top flap 840 partially overlaps the secondside top flap 850 and the first and second side top flaps 840, 850 lieover the front top end flap 820 and the rear top end flap 760. The firstand third side top flap sections 842, 852 of first and second side topflaps 840, 850, respectively, may be releasably secured together byadhesive material at the adhesive regions 88, and the second and fourthside top flap sections 844, 854 may be more permanently securedtogether, such as by a more permanent adhesive material. The first sidetop flap 840 may be secured to the rear top end flap 760 at the adhesiveregion 762. Thus, the first and second side top flaps 840, 850 form atop panel 858 extending between the first and second side panels 20, 30and the front and rear panels 785, 710. The top panel 858 extendssubstantially perpendicularly to the front panel 785, the rear panel710, and the first and second side panels 20, 30. The first and thirdside top flap sections 842, 852 are positioned adjacent to each other inthe top panel 858 to form a partially detachable portion of the toppanel 858. The notch 845 in the first side top flap section 842 isexposed in the top panel 858, allowing the first side top flap section842 to be easily gripped by a person's hand.

Referring to FIG. 26, the rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottomend flap 730 are folded inwardly along the fold line 18, and the firstand second bottom flaps 790, 810 are folded inwardly along the fold line18 over the rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottom end flap 730such that the second bottom flap 810 overlaps the first bottom flap 790,and the notch 812 is exposed. The second bottom flap 810 is secured tothe rear bottom end flap 770 and the front bottom end flap 730 atadhesive regions 772, 732. The first and second bottom flaps 790, 810form a bottom panel 896 extending substantially parallel to the toppanel 858.

FIG. 28 shows the carton 1000 in an open configuration for pouringcontents out of the carton. In the open configuration, the first andthird side top flap sections 842, 852 are partially separated from thesecond and fourth top panel sections 844, 854, respectively, along therespective break lines 846, 856 and are folded outwardly along the thirdand fourth arcuate fold lines 847, 857, respectively, so as to extendtransversely to the second and fourth side top flap sections 844, 854,which form a remainder of the top panel 858. The center section 822, thefirst side section 824 and the second side section 826 of the front topend flap 820 are folded upwardly along the concave fold line 827 suchthat the bottom section 828 of the front top end panel 720 extendssubstantially horizontally (perpendicularly to the front panel 780), andthe center section 822, the first side section 824 and the second sidesection 826 extend upwardly from the bottom section 828 between thefirst and third side top flap sections 842, 852. The first and secondside sections 824, 826 extend rearwardly and transversely to the centersection 822. The first and third side top flap sections 842, 852 and thefront top end panel 820 thereby form a spout 897 having an opening 898at the top of the carton 1000. The first and third side top flapsections 842, 852 form first and second side walls of the spout 897, andthe front top end panel 820 forms a front spout lip 899. The second andfourth side top flap sections 844, 854 are secured such that they do notopen with the spout 897. Contents within the carton 1000 can be pouredout of the spout 797 though the opening 898. The lip 899 is configuredto direct the flow of contents as they are poured out of the spout 897.

FIG. 29 shows the carton 1000 in a reclosed configuration, wherein thecarton 1000 is reclosed after being used in the open configuration shownin FIG. 28. In the reclosed configuration, the first and third side topflap sections 842, 852 are folded inwardly along the fold line 16 suchthat the first side top flap section 842 partially overlaps the thirdside top flap section 852, and the center segment and the first andsecond side segments 824, 826 of the front spout lip 899 are foldeddownwardly about the concave fold line 827, beneath the first and thirdside top flap sections 842, 852. The notches 845, 855 may be interlockedwith each other to secure the first and third top flap sections 842, 852together. Thus, the spout 897 and the top panel 858 are returned to aclosed configuration.

In some embodiments described and shown herein, the second side top flappartially overlaps the first side top flap when the carton is in theclosed configuration, such that the third and fourth side top flapsections partially overlap the first and second side top flap sections.In other embodiments, the first side top flap partially overlaps thesecond side top flap when the carton is in the closed configuration,such that the first and second side top flap sections partially overlapthe third and fourth side top flap sections. It should be appreciated,however, that in any of the embodiments, it is possible to reverse theoverlapping arrangement of the first and second side top flaps, and thusthe overlapping arrangement of the side top flap sections.

In some instances in the foregoing, attaching parts together isdescribed with reference to specific features and methods. However, theattaching may be carried out in any suitable manner, such as, but notlimited to, through the use of adhesive material.

The term “break line” is used throughout the specification. A break linemay be any suitable line of disruption, such as a tear line and/or a cutline (e.g., a slit). The term “fold line” is used throughout thefollowing description. It is noted that, unless stated otherwise, theterm “fold line” can include any at least somewhat line-like arranged,although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitatesfolding therealong; and a tear line can be any at least somewhatline-like arranged, although not necessarily straight, form of weakeningthat facilitates tearing therealong. More specifically, but not for thepurpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, conventionalfold lines include: a crease, such as formed by folding; a score line,such as formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; aslit that extends partially into the material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partiallyinto and/or completely through the material along the desired line ofweakness; or various combinations of these features. The term “tearline” is also used throughout the specification. More specifically, butnot for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention,conventional tear lines include a slit that extends partially into thematerial along the desired line of weakness, a series of spaced apartslits that extend partially into and/or completely through the materialalong the desired line of weakness, or any combination of thesefeatures.

The foregoing disclosure provides illustrative embodiments of theinvention and is not intended to be limiting. As understood by those ofskill in the art, the overall invention encompasses other embodimentsnot specifically enumerated herein. For example, although the cartonsshown in the form of a parallelpipedal box, they can alternatively beshaped differently, and likewise the various detachable sections, panelsections, panels and flaps described herein can be shaped and arrangeddifferently.

1. A carton comprising: a front panel; a rear panel; a first side panel;a second side panel opposite the first side panel; a bottom panel; a toppanel comprising a first side top flap and a second side top flap; and afront top end panel foldably connected to the front panel, the firstside top flap and the second side top flap; wherein, when the carton isin a closed configuration the front top end panel extends inwardly fromthe front panel towards an interior of the carton, the second side topflap partially overlaps the first side top flap or the first side topflap partially overlaps the second side top flap, and the first side topside flap and the second side top side flap lie over the front top endpanel; and wherein the carton is configured to be placed in an openconfiguration in which a spout is formed in a top of the carton anddefines an opening for pouring contents from the carton; and wherein,when the carton is in the open configuration, the front top end panel isfolded outwardly away from the interior of the carton and forms a frontlip of the spout, and portions of the first and second top side flapsform side walls of the spout.
 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein thefront top end panel comprises a center section foldably connected to thefront panel, a first side section foldably connected to center sectionand the first side top flap, and a second side section foldablyconnected to the center section and the second side top flap.
 3. Thecarton of claim 2, wherein, when the carton is in the closedconfiguration, the first side section and the second side section arefolded over the center section.
 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein thecenter section, the first side section and the second side section aretriangular sections.
 5. The carton of claim 1, wherein: the first sidetop flap comprises a first flap section, a second flap section and afirst break line between the first flap section and the second flapsection, the first flap section being foldably connected to the fronttop end panel; and the second side top side flap comprises third flapsection, a fourth flap section and a second break line between the thirdflap section and the fourth flap section, the third flap section beingfoldably connected to the front top end panel; wherein, when the cartonis in the closed configuration the first flap section and the secondflap section are detachably connected to each other along the firstbreak line, the third flap section and the fourth flap sections aredetachably connected to each other along the second break line, and thesecond and fourth flap sections are attached to each other.
 6. Thecarton of claim 5, wherein: the first flap section and the second flapsection are foldably connected to each other along a first fold lineextending from the first break line; and the third flap section and thefourth flap section are foldably connected to each other along a secondfold line extending from the second break line.
 7. The carton of claim6, wherein the first and second fold lines are oblique fold lines. 8.The carton of claim 6, wherein, when the carton is in the openconfiguration: the first flap section and the second flap section aredetached from each other along the first break line, the third flapsection and the fourth flap section are detached from each other alongthe second break line, the second flap section and the fourth flapsection are attached to each other, and the first flap section and thethird flap section are folded along the first fold line and the secondfold line, respectively, and extend transversely to the second flapsection and the fourth flap section, thereby forming the side walls ofthe spout.
 9. The carton of claim 5, wherein, when the carton is in theopen configuration: the first flap section and the second flap sectionare detached from each other along the first break line; the third flapsection and the fourth flap section are detached from each other alongthe second break line; the second flap section and the fourth flapsection are attached to each other; and the first flap section and thethird flap section extend transversely to the second flap section andthe fourth flap section, thereby forming the side walls of the spout.10. The carton of claim 1, wherein the front panel comprises a femalelocking member configured to receive and retain a tip of the spout lipfor reclosing the carton after the carton has been placed in the openconfiguration.
 11. The carton of claim 1, wherein: the carton isconfigured to be placed in a reclosed configuration after being placedin the open configuration; and when the carton is in the reclosedconfiguration, the first side top flap and the second side top flap arefolded in an overlapping relationship, the front lip of the spoutextends downwardly, substantially parallel to the front panel, and a tipof the front lip is received in a female locking member in the frontpanel.
 12. The carton of claim 1, wherein: the carton is configured tobe placed in a reclosed configuration after being placed in the openconfiguration; and when the carton is in the reclosed configuration, thefirst side top flap and the second side top flap are folded in anoverlapping relationship, and the front lip of the spout extendssubstantially parallel to and lies below the first side top flap and thesecond side top flap.
 13. A carton comprising: a front panel; a rearpanel; a first side panel; a second side panel opposite the first sidepanel; a bottom panel; a top panel comprising a first side top flapcomprising a first flap section, a second flap section, and a firstbreak line between the first flap section and the second flap section;and a second side top flap comprising a third flap section, a fourthflap section, and a second break line between the third flap section andthe fourth flap section; and a front top end flap or front top end panelfoldably connected to the front panel; wherein, when the carton is in aclosed configuration the front top end flap or front top end panelextends inwardly from the front panel towards an interior of the cartonbeneath the first side top flap and the second side top flap, and thesecond side top flap partially overlaps the first side top flap, or thefirst side top flap partially overlaps the second side top flap; whereinthe carton is configured to be placed in an open configuration in whicha spout is formed in a top of the carton and defines an opening forpouring contents from the carton; and wherein, when the carton is in theopen configuration the front top end flap or front top end panel isfolded outwardly away from the interior of the carton and forms a frontlip of the spout, the first flap section and the second flap section aredetached from each other along the first break line, the third flapsection and the fourth flap section are detached from each other alongthe second break line, and the first flap section and the third flapsection extend transversely to the second flap section and the fourthflap section, thereby forming side walls of the spout.
 14. The carton ofclaim 13, wherein the second flap section and the fourth flap sectionare attached to each other when the carton is in the closedconfiguration and when the carton is in the open configuration.
 15. Thecarton of claim 13, wherein the front top end flap or front top endpanel comprises a center section, a first side section foldablyconnected the center section, and a second side section foldablyconnected to the center section.
 16. The carton of claim 13, wherein:the first flap section and the second flap section are foldablyconnected to each other along a first fold line extending from the firstbreak line; and the third flap section and the fourth flap section arefoldably connected to each other along a second fold line extending fromthe second break line.
 17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the first andsecond fold lines are oblique fold lines or arcuate fold lines.
 18. Thecarton of claim 16, wherein, when the carton is in the openconfiguration, the first flap section and the third flap section arefolded along the first fold line and the second fold line, respectively.19. The carton of claim 1, wherein: the carton is configured to beplaced in a reclosed configuration after being placed in the openconfiguration; and when the carton is in the reclosed configuration, thefirst flap section and the third flap section are folded in anoverlapping relationship, the front lip of the spout extends inwardlyfrom the front panel towards an interior of the carton, and the firstflap section and the second flap section lie over the front lip.
 20. Thecarton of claim 19, wherein the first flap section includes a firstnotch and the third flap section includes a second notch, and whereinthe first notch and the second notch interlockingly engage each otherwhen the carton is in the reclosed configuration.
 21. The carton ofclaim 13, wherein the rear panel comprises gripping regions disposedadjacent to the first side panel and the second side panel, the grippingregions extending transversely to a remainder of the rear panel.
 22. Acarton blank for forming a carton, comprising: a front panel; a rearpanel; a first side panel foldably connected to the front panel; asecond side panel foldably connected to the front panel; a first sidetop flap foldably connected to the first side panel; a second side topflap foldably connected to the second side panel; a plurality of flapsconfigured to form a bottom panel of the carton; and a front top endpanel foldably connected to the front panel, the first side top flap andthe second side top flap; wherein the blank is configured to form thecarton in a closed configuration in which the front top end panelextends inwardly from the front panel towards an interior of the carton,the second side top flap partially overlaps the first side top flap, orthe first side top flap partially overlaps the second side top flap, andthe first side top side flap and the second side top side flap lie overthe front top end panel; and wherein the blank is configured to form thecarton in an open configuration in which a spout is formed in a top ofthe carton and defines an opening for pouring contents from the carton,the front top end panel is folded outwardly away from the interior ofthe carton and forms a front lip of the spout, and portions of the firstand second top side flaps form side walls of the spout.
 23. The cartonblank of claim 22, wherein the front top end panel comprises a centersection foldably connected to the front panel, a first side sectionfoldably connected to center section and the first side panel, and asecond side section foldably connected to the center section and thesecond side panel.
 24. The carton blank of claim 23, wherein the firstside section and the second side section are configured to be foldedover the center section when the carton is in the closed configuration.25. The carton blank of claim 24, wherein the center section, the firstside section and the second side section are triangular sections. 26.The carton blank of claim 22, wherein: the first side top flap comprisesa first flap section and a second flap section detachably connected toeach other along a first break line, the first flap section beingfoldably connected to the front top end panel; and the second side topside flap comprises third flap section and a fourth flap sectiondetachably connected to each other along a second break line, the thirdflap section being foldably connected to the front top end panel;wherein, the blank is configured to form the carton in the closedconfiguration such that the first flap section and the second flapsection are detachably connected to each other along the first breakline, the third flap section and the fourth flap sections are detachablyconnected to each other along the second break line, and the second andfourth flap sections are attached to each other.
 27. The carton blank ofclaim 26, wherein: the first flap section and the second flap sectionare foldably connected to each other along a first fold line extendingfrom the first break line; and the third flap section and the fourthflap section are foldably connected to each other along a second foldline extending from the second break line.
 28. The carton blank of claim27, wherein the first and second fold lines are oblique fold lines. 29.The carton blank of claim 27, wherein the blank is configured to formthe carton in the open configuration such that: the first flap sectionand the second flap section are detached from each other along the firstbreak line, the third flap section and the fourth flap section aredetached from each other along the second break line, the second flapsection and the fourth flap section are attached to each other, and thefirst flap section and the third flap section are folded along the firstfold line and the second fold line, respectively, and extendtransversely to the second flap section and the fourth flap section,thereby forming the side walls of the spout.
 30. The carton blank ofclaim 26, wherein the blank is configured to form the carton in the openconfiguration such that: the first flap section and the second flapsection are detached from each other along the first break line; thethird flap section and the fourth flap section are detached from eachother along the second break line; the second flap section and thefourth flap section are attached to each other; and the first flapsection and the third flap section extend transversely to the secondflap section and the fourth flap section, thereby forming the side wallsof the spout.
 31. The carton blank of claim 22, wherein the front panelcomprises a female locking member configured to receive and retain a tipof the spout lip for reclosing the carton after the carton has beenplaced in the open configuration.
 32. The carton blank of claim 22,wherein: the blank is configured to form the carton in a reclosedconfiguration after the carton is placed in the open configuration; andthe front lip of the spout is configured to extend downwardly,substantially parallel to the front panel when the carton is in thereclosed configuration, with a tip of the front lip received in anopening in the front panel.
 33. The carton blank of claim 22, wherein:the blank is configured to form the carton in a reclosed configurationafter the carton is placed in the open configuration; the first side topflap and the second side top flap are configured to be folded in anoverlapping relationship when the carton is in the reclosedconfiguration; and the front lip of the spout is configured to extendsubstantially parallel to and lie below the first side top flap and thesecond side top flap when the carton is in the reclosed configuration.34. A carton blank for forming a carton, comprising: a rear panel; afirst side panel foldably connected to the rear panel; a second sidepanel foldably connected to the rear panel; a first side top flapfoldably connected to the first side panel, the first side top flapcomprising a first flap section, a second flap section and a first breakline between the first flap section and the second flap section; asecond side top flap foldably connected to the second side panel, thesecond side top flap comprising a third flap section, a fourth flapsection and a second break line between the third flap section and thefourth flap section; a plurality of flaps configured to form a bottompanel of the carton; a front flap foldably connected to the second sidepanel; and a front top end flap or front top end panel foldablyconnected to the front flap; wherein the blank is configured to form thecarton in a closed configuration in which the first side top flap andthe second side top flap form a top panel of the carton, the front topend flap or front top end panel extends inwardly from the front flaptowards an interior of the carton beneath the first side top flap andthe second side top flap, the second side top flap partially overlapsthe first side top flap, or the first side top flap partially overlapsthe second side top flap; and wherein the carton is configured to beplaced in an open configuration in which a spout is formed in a top ofthe carton and defines an opening for pouring contents from the carton,the front top end flap or front top end panel is folded outwardly awayfrom the interior of the carton and forms a front lip of the spout, thefirst flap section and the second flap section are detached from eachother along the first break line, the third flap section and the fourthflap section are detached from each other along the second break line,and the first flap section and the third flap section extendtransversely to the second flap section and the fourth flap section,thereby forming side walls of the spout.
 35. The carton blank of claim34, wherein the front top end flap has a center section, a first sidesection foldably connected the center section, and a second side sectionfoldably connected to the center section.
 36. The carton blank of claim34, wherein the second flap section and the fourth flap section areconfigured to be attached to each other when the carton is in the closedconfiguration and when the carton is in the open configuration.
 37. Thecarton blank of claim 34, wherein: the first flap section and the secondflap section are foldably connected to each other along a first foldline extending from the first break line; and the third flap section andthe fourth flap section are foldably connected to each other along asecond fold line extending from the second break line.
 38. The cartonblank of claim 37, wherein the first and second fold lines are arcuatefold lines.
 39. The carton blank of claim 37, wherein the blank isconfigured to form the carton in the open configuration such that thefirst flap section and the third flap section are folded along the firstfold line and the second fold line, respectively.
 40. The carton blankof claim 34, wherein: the blank is configured to form the carton in areclosed configuration after the carton is formed in the openconfiguration; and the front lip of the spout is configured to extendthe inwardly from the front panel towards an interior of the carton whenthe carton is in the reclosed configuration; and the first flap sectionand the second flap section are configured to lie over the front lipwhen the carton is in the reclosed configuration.
 41. The carton blankof claim 40, wherein the first flap section includes a first notch andthe third flap section includes a second notch, and wherein the firstnotch and the second notch are configured to interlockingly engage eachother when the carton is in the reclosed configuration.
 42. The cartonblank of claim 34, wherein the rear panel comprises gripping regionsdisposed adjacent the first side panel and the second side panel, andwherein the gripping regions are defined by a pair of fold lines in therear panel and are configured to be folded to extend transversely to aremainder of the rear panel.